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Topic: Front engine needs overhaul (Read 682 times) previous topic - next topic

Front engine needs overhaul

We have a 1990 3300 with a front 460 Ford engine that needs overhaul.  Would like suggestions on how to go about removal and replacement or suggestion of who might do this for me.

Thanks
Harold Charlson
1992 U280 4133
Round Top, TX

Re: Front engine needs overhaul

Reply #1 –
Are you handy? What failed to get some idea .
Old Phart Phred, EIEIO
89 GV ored 36' #3405 300 hp cat 3208 ATAAC side radiator, mountain tamer exhaust brake

Re: Front engine needs overhaul

Reply #2 –
There are excellent new and rebuilt "crate" engines available from many reliable sources these days.  The price for a standard pump gas rated complete Ford 460 engine can be very close to what a full rebuild of the old block would cost.  Unless you just really like doing rebuilds, it would be quicker and simpler to order a complete new assembly and swap them out.  Sell the old block for a few bucks to the local scrap iron dealer.

Do a Google search for "Ford 460 crate engine" for many choices and a wide range of prices.
1993 U280 SE 40' WTBI, Build: 4359
C8.3 300hp, 6-Speed, Exhaust Brake
960 watts on the roof (6 x 160)
Sorento (or BOLT) on a Kar Kaddy SS
"Nature abhors a vacuum"

Re: Front engine needs overhaul

Reply #3 –
Lots of cheap, used Ford 460s in wrecking yards. Some yards will do the R&R. Crate engines will start at about $4500 plus installation. That's a pretty good percentage of what your coach is worth after the engine is installed. A good used engine will be a more economical choice if on a budget. A low mileage engine should be around $500. Lots of them in PUs.

Is your coach still able to drive?

Pierce
Pierce and Gaylie Stewart
'93 U300/36 WTBI
Detroit 6V-92TA Jake
1140 watts on the roof
SBFD (ret)

Re: Front engine needs overhaul

Reply #4 –
Actually I'm more interested in how to go about getting the engine out and back in.  That is what I see as the most challenging part.
Harold Charlson
1992 U280 4133
Round Top, TX

Re: Front engine needs overhaul

Reply #5 –
coach gets jacked up very high with appropriate equipment or safe ramps/pit, and I was told engine comes out the bottom.

reverse to get back in. but that was in reponse to my question when I blew up the 460 in my rear engine gasser.

\
Tim Fiedler    2025 LTV Unity MBL on Order
2000 Chevy Tracker 2 Door Convertible 4WD Now lifted 4.5"
1985 Citroen 2CV6 Charleston
Murphy Rebel on wheels with 175HP Titan
Cessna P337
1980 48' Westport MY (!/4 Share)

Re: Front engine needs overhaul

Reply #6 –
I realize this doesn't answer your questions about removal/installation, but I had the following experience with our 1997 class C 460 V8. If you have the V8, double check the exhaust manifolds and heads.
The exhaust manifold bolts stripped out of the heads and our RV dealer told us the heads are special to the RV industry application.

True? Not true? I don't know but the service manager said I was real lucky that I had traded it in before the manifolds fell off. Not true!! We didn't know about the threads stripping out of the heads! And the RV dealer had to search nationwide to find a set of the special heads for that V8.
Nitehawk,  Demolition Lady, & our NEW master, Zippy the speeding BB cat.
1989 Grand Villa 36' ORED
Oshkosh chassis, 8.2 DD V8
2006 Saturn Vue AWD

Re: Front engine needs overhaul

Reply #7 –
dig a hole, push coach over hole and drop the engine, pull coach back to retrieve engine.
Old Phart Phred, EIEIO
89 GV ored 36' #3405 300 hp cat 3208 ATAAC side radiator, mountain tamer exhaust brake

Re: Front engine needs overhaul

Reply #8 –
I actually have purchased a used engine, but have not figured out a good way to go about this project.  I even took it to a truck repair shop to see what they had to say, and they would cut a big chunk of the floor out to get to it.  May be best to just try to unload it for whatever it will bring.  Thanks for the replies 
Harold Charlson
1992 U280 4133
Round Top, TX

Re: Front engine needs overhaul

Reply #9 –
Quote from: Old phart phred –
dig a hole, push coach over hole and drop the engine, pull coach back to retrieve engine.

That is how I pulled VW engines-- many many of them.
Brett Wolfe
EX: 1993 U240
Moderator, ForeForum 2001-
Moderator Diesel RV Club 2002-
Moderator, FMCA Forum 2009-2020
Chairman FMCA Technical Advisory Committee 2011-2020

Re: Front engine needs overhaul

Reply #10 –
Quote from: wolfe10 –
That is how I pulled VW engines-- many many of them.
356 Porsche jacked up with engine dropped onto a big tire casing. Many times.

P
Pierce and Gaylie Stewart
'93 U300/36 WTBI
Detroit 6V-92TA Jake
1140 watts on the roof
SBFD (ret)

Re: Front engine needs overhaul

Reply #11 –
Quote from: hcharlson –
I actually have purchased a used engine, but have not figured out a good way to go about this project.  I even took it to a truck repair shop to see what they had to say, and they would cut a big chunk of the floor out to get to it.  May be best to just try to unload it for whatever it will bring.  Thanks for the replies 
Find you a motorhead and bet him $100 and a case of beer that he can't swap that motor in two days. Set around on memorial day and drink part of his beer while he does additional tunning. ^.^d
Old Phart Phred, EIEIO
89 GV ored 36' #3405 300 hp cat 3208 ATAAC side radiator, mountain tamer exhaust brake

Re: Front engine needs overhaul

Reply #12 –
I have changed quite a few engines in the front engine Foretravel motor homes. Jack up and block the frame. Drop the front axle and then drop the engine out. Foretravel used to pay 50 hours to replace the engine but I got it down to about 25 hours.
previous 1984 35 ft ORED 250 HP 3208 Cat       
previous 1998 40 ft U295 CAI 325 hp Cummins
previous 2003 40 Ft u320 build #6140 450 Cummins M11.                                                         
1999 Mazda Miata
Ron, Nancy, Tipper the cat, Max The dog
1997 U 270 36 ft build number 5174 8.3 Cummins
 

Re: Front engine needs overhaul

Reply #13 –
Thank you for all of the replies.  I have considered dropping the front axle, but now I believe that's the only way to go.  We shall see.
Harold Charlson
1992 U280 4133
Round Top, TX